Article Assignment

Leveraging Your Network to Find a Living Kidney Donor

When you’re seeking a living kidney donor, it can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to turn to social media and online platforms, but your true power may be relying on the people you know—family, friends, coworkers, and even the wider community. This article will guide you through the process of identifying and reaching out to your personal network, and how to work with your advocates to expand your reach.

1. Understanding Your Network

Start by recognizing that your network isn’t just online; it includes everyone you know in real life—your family, friends, coworkers, and community members. People you interact with on a regular basis may know others who could potentially become your living kidney donor. It’s crucial to reach out to all these circles.  Remember, over 90% of the time, the donor knows the recipient in some way. 

2. Family and Close Friends

Your family is your most immediate circle, and they can be one of your most valuable resources in the search for a donor. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or have open conversations about your need for a living kidney donor. Be honest and direct, explaining the urgency and importance of the situation. Your close friends also fall into this circle—they know you well and are often willing to help in any way they can.

Tips:

• Have personal conversations—ask your family members and friends to spread the word within their circles.
• Ask if they know someone who has been a donor or is willing to learn more about the donation process.
• Be specific about the requirements for a donor (age range, health conditions, etc.), so they know who to reach out to.

3. Professional Contacts

Your professional network can also play a key role in your search. Colleagues, employers, and professional associations may offer avenues for connecting with potential living kidney donors. Many people are willing to support colleagues in need—whether that’s by sharing your story within their own networks or introducing you to people they know.

Tips:

• Reach out to coworkers and supervisors with a letter or email explaining your situation.
• Attend work functions and events, and let people know about your health and that the best path forward is living donation – you are actively seeking a living donor.
• Be open and available to answer questions about the donation process, as this can help potential donors feel more comfortable.
• Contact your professional associations—they might have resources to help you share your story.  For example, it is not uncommon for employers to feature recipients in company newsletters or all-hands meetings.  Be proactive and ask.  

4. Community Contacts

Think about your local community: neighbors, church members, people from your kids’ school or sports teams, and other groups you belong to. These people may be familiar with your situation, but you may need to be proactive about asking for help. This is especially important if you’re looking to connect with others who might be able to make a significant contribution.

Tips:

• Speak at local community events or church gatherings to raise awareness.
• Share flyers or informational cards in places you frequent, like your local coffee shop, library, or gym.
• Ask for help – see if people might be willing to share a post of yours on social media, ask if people might be willing to share a few of your kidney cards, or even tell people to share your story with those they know.  Make sure they know they url to your GiftWorks’ website (get their number and text it to them)!

5. Leveraging Your Advocate’s Network

If you have an advocate helping you with your search for a living kidney donor, leverage their connections as well. Advocates can play a crucial role in spreading the word and expanding your reach. Often, they have networks that might not overlap with your own, giving you access to new circles of potential donors.

Tips:

• Have your advocate reach out to their own family, friends, and colleagues. They may be able to talk to people in ways that are more comfortable or effective.
• Consider creating a letter or message template that your advocate can personalize and send out to their contacts.  We have an entire resource page that helps them do this.  Set a goal for how many people they should reach out to.  
• Ask your advocate to connect you with other individuals who are currently looking for a kidney donor; they may be able to share advice or resources.

6. Local Businesses

Local businesses such as coffee shops, libraries, grocery stores, and restaurants can also be valuable partners in your search for a living kidney donor. These businesses often have bulletin boards or other spaces where you can share flyers or posters. The owners or managers may even be willing to display your story or help spread the word to their customers.

Tips:

• Post flyers in community spaces at your local coffee shop, library, or grocery store.
• Ask local businesses if they can help share your story or direct customers to your website.
• Visit small, locally-owned restaurants and see if you can speak directly with the owner to request support in raising awareness.

7. Organizations You Volunteer With

If you’re involved in any organizations—whether they’re social clubs, charities, sports teams, or community outreach programs—these can be additional resources for reaching out to potential donors. People you volunteer with are already engaged in helping others, which could make them more likely to assist in your search for a living kidney donor.

Tips:

• Ask the organization if they can help spread your story through their communication channels.
• Share flyers at events or during volunteer opportunities.
• Speak directly with fellow volunteers and explain your situation.